The Surf Coast Shire council hopes the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee’s (GORCC) plan to improve the accessibility of some of Torquay’s most popular beaches can be fast-tracked.<\/p>\n
GORCC’s Point Impossible to Jan Juc Draft Master Plan proposes multiple changes proposed to Torquay Front Beach to enable people of all abilities to enjoy Torquay’s coast.<\/p>\n
It suggests upgrading the amenity block at Cosy Corner to include an accessible Changing Places facility.<\/p>\n
Changing Places are designed specifically to be accessible for people with disabilities. They include height adjustable adult-sized change table and a ceiling hoist.<\/p>\n
Changing Places facilities were recently opened in in Four Kings Car Park in Anglesea and next to the Winchelsea Hall.<\/p>\n
In their submission to GORCC responding to the plan, the council expressed a desire to see the implementation of such a facility fast tracked.<\/p>\n
“Council notes the potential to attract grant funding to develop an accessible changing places facility and there recommends prioritising this in the short term (1-3 years) rather than the medium term (4-7 years).”<\/p>\n
At the February 25 council meeting, Cr Martin Duke said he supported having another Changing Places facility in the shire.<\/p>\n
“We’ve had the opportunity in the last couple of weeks to open some beautiful Changing Places. I think it’s great that we’ve got ones in Winchelsea and Anglesea open.<\/p>\n
“If we can put one on Cosy Corner, I think it’s a really good step towards people able to give people with disabilities access to the whole coast.”<\/p>\n
He also noted that GORCC had done a lot to improve beach accessibility, such as installing matting at Fisherman’s Beach to enable people using wheelchairs, crutches, walking frames and canes to cross the softer sand at the beach.<\/p>\n
GORCC’s draft master plan also suggests a Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant path and ramp be installed at Torquay Front Beach.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Surf Coast Shire council hopes the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee’s (GORCC) plan to improve the accessibility of some of Torquay’s most popular beaches can be fast-tracked. GORCC’s Point Impossible to Jan Juc Draft Master Plan proposes multiple changes proposed to Torquay Front Beach to enable people of all abilities to enjoy Torquay’s coast. […]<\/p>\n